Locking his name on the cut-throat high-fashion industry, Givenchy’s new creative director, Matthew M. Williams, unveils his first collection—putting emphasis on finding humanity in luxury.
The moment Matthew M. Williams was named Givenchy‘s newest creative director, succeeding Clare Waight Keller, who stepped down in April, it was just a matter of time for the world to witness a younger, fresher Givenchy infused with luxury street style. That’s because Williams is actually the founder of a cult street-culture brand 1017 Alyx 9SM, and a key figure in the luxury streetwear scene.
Now since the world is still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the storied fashion house saw it fitting to revolve around unity and love. Since William’s appointment as the creative director of Givenchy, he has been quietly honing a fresh, modern attitude for the Parisian fashion house. He began by drawing inspiration from his new life in Paris, incorporating beloved places and emblems into his designs. In particular, a picture he took of the celebrated “love locks” adorning the bridges of Paris was the starting point for an original take on Givenchy signatures—making it the accessory of the moment.
The young creative director made use of such simple yet iconic hardware alluding to the strong and loving qualities of a true Parisian. Eschewing from the gendered notions of jewelry and accessories, the hardware is also seen as a symbolic nexus of utility and luxury uniting men and women. Come to think of it, the only way for us to rise above any adversity is if we lock arms and spread light and love to others.
According to Williams, “you’ll find the pieces of the puzzle for a collection, building it from symbols and signs, but never forgetting the reality of the person who will wear it and bring it to life. The women and men should be powerful and effortless, equal and joyful, and a reflection of who they really are—only more so. It’s about finding the humanity in luxury.”
Moreover, with the recent presentation of the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, we are treated with a sampler of what is to come. As this is also a new beginning for the storied French house, Williams sought to intermix the collection with elements of the archive and the utilization of its distinct lineage, pointing to the past, present, and future.
So, from Hubert de Givenchy’s swathes of looped drapery, lighter-than-air transparencies, linear necklines, and “Jour” open backs, to the McQueen horn, reborn; both the classical and radical contrasts of Givenchy are embraced and shown to have always been part of the house’s history in the collection. Ultimately, it’s all about a feeling of elegance, playfulness, and pragmatism—that is the key to Matthew M. Williams’ vision for the house.
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